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    Ingredient Profile

    Shiso leaf fragrance note

    Shiso leaf delivers a crisp, herbaceous aroma tinged with citrus and pepper, offering a fresh lift that brightens both aromatic and oriental…More

    China

    2

    Fragrances

    Fragrances featuring Shiso leaf

    Character

    The Story of Shiso leaf

    Shiso leaf delivers a crisp, herbaceous aroma tinged with citrus and pepper, offering a fresh lift that brightens both aromatic and oriental compositions.

    Heritage

    Shiso, known scientifically as Perilla frutescens, grew in the mountainous regions of China and India before spreading to Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Historical texts from the Tang dynasty mention its use as a medicinal herb, prized for its cooling properties. Japanese monks introduced shiso to temple gardens in the 8th century, where it served both culinary and incense purposes. By the Meiji era, shiso leaf oil appeared in early Japanese fragrance formulas, offering a local alternative to imported green notes. The plant's dual role in food and scent helped it survive cultural shifts, and modern natural perfumery now revisits this heritage ingredient for its distinctive green profile.

    At a Glance

    Fragrances

    2

    Feature this note

    Origin

    China

    Primary source region

    Ingredient Details

    Extraction

    Steam distillation

    Used Parts

    Fresh leaves

    Did You Know

    "Shiso leaves are a staple in Japanese cuisine, yet their essential oil was first recorded in perfumery archives in the early 1900s, bridging culinary and aromatic traditions."

    Production

    How Shiso leaf Is Made

    Harvesters collect fresh shiso leaves at the peak of their aromatic potency, usually in early summer. Workers rinse the foliage to remove soil, then feed it directly into a stainless steel still. Steam passes through the leaves, capturing volatile compounds in the condensate. The resulting oil separates from water, is filtered, and stored in amber glass to protect its light‑sensitive notes. The process yields a clear, pale‑green liquid that retains the leaf's bright, peppery character. Quality control labs test each batch for key molecules such as perillaldehyde and limonene, ensuring consistency for perfumers. The entire operation runs under strict hygiene standards, preserving the natural integrity of the ingredient.

    Provenance

    China

    China30.6°N, 104.1°E

    About Shiso leaf